Eva Marcille to Host, Lloyd to Perform at A Fine & Dandy Affair™ in Montgomery as Official Road to ESSENCE Festival Experience

Montgomery, AL (April 2026) - The City of Montgomery is stepping into the national spotlight as Eva Marcille and Lloyd are officially announced as headlining talent for A Fine & Dandy Affair™, a dynamic cultural experience taking place May 15-17, 2026, as part of the official Road to ESSENCE Festival of Culture®.

Designed to position Montgomery as a cultural partner - not just a destination, A Fine & Dandy Affair™ brings together leaders across wellness, business, culture, and civic engagement for a weekend that blends purpose with elevated experiences.

A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN PURPOSE

Anchored in three core pillars - Health & Wellness, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Civic Engagement - the experience will feature immersive daytime programming, including interactive workshops, curated panel discussions, and fireside conversations.

Attendees can expect dynamic conversations around:

• Financial empowerment and entrepreneurship
• Technology and innovation, including AI
• Community leadership and civic engagement

A featured fireside conversation will be held at The King's Canvas, spotlighting the city's creative and cultural ecosystem.

COMMUNITY IN MOTION: THE WELLNESS 5K

Kicking off the weekend, the A Fine & Dandy Affair™ Wellness 5K will be hosted by First Lady Tamika Reed in partnership with Move Montgomery and national wellness organization GirlTREK.

This activation reflects the event's commitment to health, movement, and collective well-being, bringing together community members and visitors alike.

THE GALA: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AND EXCELLENCE

The weekend will culminate in a black-tie gala hosted by actress, model, and television personality Eva Marcille, featuring a live performance by singer, songwriter, and actor Lloyd.

The evening will also include the Mayor's Cultural Award, honoring individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Black culture, creativity, and economic empowerment.

"A Fine & Dandy Affair™ is about positioning Montgomery as a cultural force-where community, creativity, and commerce intersect," said Dr. Jennifer D. Dobbs, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Montgomery. "This experience reflects the energy, talent, and vision shaping our city today."

In addition to nationally recognized talent, A Fine & Dandy Affair™ will spotlight local Montgomery creatives, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders, ensuring the voices shaping the city's future are centered throughout the experience.

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN

Local and regional businesses are invited to participate in the vendor marketplace, including activations at the Wellness 5K Village and the main event at the historic Union Station Train Shed.

TICKETS + EVENT INFORMATION

Tickets are now available and expected to draw attendees from across the region and beyond.

Guests can explore the full schedule, secure tickets, and access travel accommodations here:

https://experiencemontgomeryal.org/a-fine-dandy-affair/

ABOUT A FINE & DANDY AFFAIR™

A Fine & Dandy Affair™ is a cultural and civic experience presented by the City of Montgomery as part of the official Road to ESSENCE Festival of Culture®. The event brings together leaders across industries to foster connection, conversation, and cultural impact.

MEDIA CONTACT

ERICA DIAS

[email protected]

415-305-2359